Bromeliad plant named `Guz 210`

ABSTRACT

A sport of Guzmania `Minnie-Exodus` (unpatented) which differs from other Guzmania in the fact that it has tri-colored variegated leaves, white tipped floral bractlets and deep red inflorescence.

This present invention relates to Bromeliads and, primarily, to aBromeliad which is the product of division of a sport of the parentGuzmania `Minnie-Exodus` (unpatented) which is a hybrid of Guzmaniazahnii×Guzmania lingulata `minor`. The plant of this invention was anaturally occurring, vegetative sport discovered as a single plantgrowing in a planting of `Minnie-Exodus`.

In point of fact, the plant is the product of a long period ofdevelopment which I have conducted over many years in the effort toprovide plants of the Bromeliad family which are commercially desirableand healthy as far as being able to ship and display.

As a result of this program, I have developed the instant variety andselected the same from a sport of Guzmania as indicated herein and thisparticular plant, I denominate `Guz 210`.

I have caused the plant to be reproduced by division in the neighborhoodof Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. and found that over time as a result of suchasexual reproduction and continuing reproduction the plant holds truefrom generation to generation.

Generally speaking, this sport is distinguished from other plantsresulting from other Guzmania by expressing a different colorcombination and is colorful even when not in flower. The plant of thisinvention is identical to the `Minnie-Exodus` except for the tri-coloredvariegation of the leaves, the white tipped flower bractlets and thedeep red inflorescence. Due to the tri-colored effect of the leaves, itis similar in effect to `Guz 214` except this plant has more leaves,approximately 6 to 10, more color on the leaves, is more red than `Guz214` and the inflorescence is differently shaped. The white tips on thefloral bractlets are an added attraction, the color in the inflorescencelasts eight to ten weeks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

I append hereto a color illustration of a typical plant of my newvariety and is shown as near the actual colors of the plant as photoreproduction of this kind can depict.

Color values presented in this disclosure were taken from the MunsellColor Cascade. Color definitions of ordinary meaning are presented whereappropriate and properly descriptive. Colors are approximate as colordepends on horticultural practices such as light level and fertilizationrate, among others, without, however any variance in genotype.

In order to point out more specifically the most notable aspects andnovel characteristics of the plant of this invention, as set forthabove, the following detailed botanical description presents the generalas well as the specific characteristics of `Guz 210`.

General characteristics:

Type.--Monocot, perennial.

Habit.--Medium, vigorous, upright, spreading and dense.

Hardiness.--Tender.

Size.--About 25 to 27 inches in width and about 18 to 20 inches,including inflorescence, in height.

Shape.--Vase formed.

Leaves:

Length.--20 to 22 inches.

Width.--11/4 inches. Medium size, acuminate, acutely pointed, mediumthickness, light green and smooth.

Color.--22-11 on obverse and 22-14 on reverse; Variegated longitudinallywith 25-1 color; Variegation varies in width and is flushed with 45-6 onobverse and stained with 43-8 on reverse, more heavily at base ofleaves.

Margin.--Smooth.

Inflorescence: Branched.

Flower buds: Tender, medium, conic and appressed.

Bracts:

Primary bracts.--Linear acute with same variegation as the leaves; Sizeof bracts about 7 inches×1 inch; Color 25-1.

Floral bract.--Acute; Size about 5 inches×1 inch decreasing in size toabout 3 inches×1 inch at apex; Color 41-13 (obverse and reverse),unvariegated.

Flower bractlets.--Clasping the flower; Color 41-13, tipped 25-1.

Flowers: Cylindrical corolla; Color 25-1 at anthesis; Petals half openat anthesis.

Reproductive organs: Six stamen, two joined to each petal 1/4 of thedistance from the base, stigmata while, sterile F¹ hybrid, infertile.

It is claimed:
 1. A new and distinctive cultivar of Guzmania plant named`Guz 210`, as described and illustrated, characterized particularly asto novelty by the tri-colored variegation of its leaves, white tippedflower bractlets and deep red inflorescence.